Monday 24 April 2017

Psalm: Psalm 137:1-7

Background

Living in an age where fake news can travel around the worldbefore the truth has got its boots on - to misquote an old saying -we know only too well the power of communication. Knowing how toget your message out - whether it's a political campaign or anadvertising slogan - is essential if you want to get people on yourside.

As Jesus comes to the end of his time on earth, he has beengiving the disciples an intensive course in missiology ready forthis moment. They are convinced now that he really has risen fromthe dead, but need a bit more understanding about what comesnext.

The answer is not 'go' but 'wait'. Why? Because goodcommunication needs the right network and it isn't in placeyet.

The "promise of the Father" (v. 4) is the gift of the HolySpirit and a promised power to witness to the truth of theResurrection and the new reality of the kingdom of God to changelives.

It's only a matter of days before the Day of Pentecost (Acts2). Then the disciples understand exactly what Jesus meant bysaying "and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea andSamaria, and to the ends of the earth".

The Galilean boy band will be in on the start of a world tour:beginning where they are but spreading out on the coat tails of theexpanding Roman Empire - the very occupiers who have tried to crushthe Jewish people. From Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and into theknown world the story of a risen Messiah rockets as believers tellit.

Within a very few years the story of Jesus had reached Britain …the ends of the earth?

To Ponder

• How difficult is it to wait when you have a message you want toshare? What can be gained by waiting?

• What networks do we ignore at our peril?